Why dogs destroy things: The reasons behind their destructive behavior

Have you ever come home just to see your new sofa or shoes being completely destroyed by your dog?

Dogs may destroy shoes and furniture for various reasons, and it is essential to understand the underlying causes to address the behavior appropriately.

Let's find out more.

Boredom

Dogs may resort to destructive behavior when they are bored or lack mental and physical stimulation. 

Chewing on shoes or furniture can be an entertaining activity for them.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit destructive behavior when left alone. 

Chewing can be a coping mechanism to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Teething

Puppies, in particular, may chew on shoes and furniture as a way to relieve discomfort during the teething process. 

Chewing helps soothe their sore gums.

Exploration

Dogs explore the world through their mouths. 

They may chew on shoes and furniture out of curiosity or to investigate new scents and textures.

Attention-Seeking

Dogs may resort to destructive behavior to get attention from their owners. 

If they have learned that chewing gets a reaction, they may continue doing it for attention.

Encouraging Behavior

In some cases, unintentionally reinforcing the behavior can lead to continued destruction. 

For example, scolding the dog after the fact might reinforce the behavior rather than deter it.
 

• Related news:
• dogs
• pets
• habits
• chewing
• 3 August 2023

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